City chosen to host Holocaust memorial

Lancaster has been chosen as one of the UK’s “special venues” to mark the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

On January 27, 70 candles will be lit across the UK to mark the Holocaust Memorial Day.

A candle created by a world-renowned artist will be lit at the annual candle-lighting commemoration in Lancaster as part of the national initiative.

The event, which takes place at Lancaster Castle at 6.30pm, was chosen from hundreds of applications sent from all over the country to the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, the charity responsible for marking Holocaust Memorial Day in the UK.

Stephen Breuer will light the special candle, while additional candles will be lit to remember those targeted during the Holocaust and subsequent genocides.

Event organiser Liz Neat said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is an important focal point in the year and we are honoured to have been selected to be part of this nationwide commemoration. It is vital that we remember and reflect upon the horrors of the past and honour those who survived.”

The special candles will also be lit at a national commemorative event in Central London and at Auschwitz.

Olivia Marks-Woldman, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, said: “Our designer has created a beautiful candle to mark Holocaust Memorial Day on the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

When all 70 of the candles are lit throughout the country, it will be a poignant moment of remembrance and a time for us all to ensure we keep the memory alive.”

Lancaster will also host other events to commemorate the Holocaust, including an exhibition by Diana Zwibach at the Dukes Theatre from January 26 to February 1 .

Diversity Tour from the Jewish Rooms at Lancaster University to the Mosque and finally joining the women’s multi faith group East meets West at Lancaster Library on Sunday January 18.